Following a 5 minute browse through (which was the maximum I could withstand, actually) of a few episodes, I see the same robust and unshakeable fidelity to historical authenticity as its forebear. Superb acting, believable characters and avoidance of preposterous stereotypes are all hugely in evidence. Astonishing, really.

Politruk to Colonel: “Well, if you don’t, I’ll tell Stalin!”

You just couldn’t make that up….